Apr 16 (NHK) - Japanese and Chinese ministers in charge of economic affairs have agreed to work together to develop infrastructure in third countries, based on an agreement reached by their leaders last year in a summit.
Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Hiroshige Seko met on Sunday with Chinese Commerce Minister Zhong Shan, who is visiting Japan.
On Monday, they are scheduled to attend the first high-level economic talks between the 2 countries in almost 8 years.
Seko told Zhong that the development of economic ties is one of the most important foundations of the relationship between the 2 countries.
He also said it is important to back up economic exchanges between their business communities through collaborations in a wide range of areas.
Zhong responded that China's gate of reform is not closing but keeps opening more, and that he wants to exchange opinions on how the 2 countries may cooperate further in the new era.
The ministers agreed to develop businesses in third countries, as agreed between their leaders last November, and cooperate in developing infrastructure in those countries.
They also agreed to discuss developing a framework for the 2 countries to cooperate in the service sector, including nursing and welfare -- an area in which Japan has strengths, and China is seeing demand rapidly grow.
